Rhonda Dolan for Missouri

02/23/2021

What I am watching in Jefferson City:
Call your Representative and tell them to vote NO on changes to the Initiative petition process. Several bills have been introduced that will drastically erode citizens ability to take part in and influence their democracy. Our current legislatures continues to work to reduce the impact of your voice. You can find your Representative here:

02/11/2021

Another example of working across the aisle for the food of children and our state. Watch Dateline NBC Thursday at 9pm CST to learn more. Let your Representative know how you feel on this issue.

This morning I had the honor of presenting along with Rep. Rudy Veit, R-Wardsville, legislation to the House Children and Families Committee Wednesday to place common-sense regulations on faith-based residential care facilities for children. Dateline NBC will air a segment on our work at 9 p.m. CST Thursday night - set your DVR.

Additional information -

Currently, the state does not permit any regulation on these facilities, which has fostered environments of rampant abuse and neglect. Several men and women testified that, as children, they were beaten, restrained, slammed into concrete, taken off prescribed medications, denied food and water, and sexually abused in these facilities in Missouri and in other states. More than one witness described children being forced to eat their own vomit.

"These victims are still dealing with the trauma they suffered,” Ingle said. “Hearing their stories today and over the past few months has shaken me, but the most horrifying thing is that these abuses are likely still occurring in Missouri."

Ingle began work on the legislation after the Kansas City Star reported on cases of abuse that happened at a facility in Cedar County in Southwest Missouri. In the course of her research, she found Missouri statute does not allow any regulation or oversight on residential care facilities for children so long as they declare themselves as religious or faith-based organizations. The state government has absolutely no oversight or supervision over these facilities, and as such, children from around the country are sent Missouri facilities promising to solve so-called “problem children” that misbehave or act out.

“Instead, children at some of these homes suffer horrific abuse that amounts to physical, psychological and emotional torture,” Ingle said.

Veit joined Ingle's efforts to solve this problem, making the effort bipartisan. He said he wanted to focus on preserving the work of residential care facilities that truly worked to help children, while punishing those abusing Missouri’s lenient laws to harm children.

"This isn't a Republican or Democratic issue," Veit said. "Rep. Ingle and I respect the separation of church and state, and neither of us wants the government to come in and take over these facilities, but these kids need to be cared for. Right now, we have no way of knowing whether or not that's happening."

Veit added an additional concern that because only Missouri and South Carolina have no restrictions, abusers chased out of other states could come here and establish those facilities here.

The bills are House Bill 557 (Veit) and House Bill 560 (Ingle).

02/03/2021

Latest on vaccine information. Dr Randal Williams is scheduled to present to the Health and Mental Health Committee Wednesday at 4pm. Link to view : https://house.mo.gov/AllHearings.aspx

https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article248920779.html?fbclid=IwAR18vRU5fVItMVPRKjRIinf6-_h7_hKqjWoYvPf17Eu7svx_oIRY1OWrVi0

Missouri is sending doses to these KC-area hospitals to vaccinate thousands.

01/26/2021

Let your Representive know how you feel about this. Also Call Rep. Vescovo (573) 751-3607 and ask that EVERY committee room has video testimony abilities so Missourians can safely testify.

House hears controversial bills without remote testimony. Missourians forced to risk health by testifying in person.

“House committees this week will hear controversial bills to eliminate public health officials’ authority to respond to the pandemic, disenfranchise minority voters, redirect state funding from local school districts and further loosen Missouri’s already lax gun laws. Unfortunately, any Missourian who wishes to testify on these critical issues is forced to risk their health – and potentially their lives – by appearing in person.

“With minimal protections and dozens of Republican lawmakers and officials who refuse to wear masks, the Missouri Capitol is not safe. Just last week, the House suspended operations due to a COVID-19 outbreak and, unsurprisingly, there is now an outbreak in the Senate. Under these circumstances, there can be no excuse for not allowing the public to testify remotely. Hearings should be delayed until Missourians are able to safely make their voices heard.”

01/11/2021

Stay engaged. Meet and work alongside others to ensure representation for all in our community. Join your voice with others by joining and participating in Blue Springs Democrats.

This form must be submitted and membership dues payed on or before 5PM on January 12th, 2021 in order to be eligible to vote in the Organizational Meeting to be held at 7PM on January 12th, 2021.

01/06/2021

Today’s actions on the Capital complex are abhorant and blatantly unlawful. All elected officials need to publicly condem these actions and call for people to disperse. Further our elected officials need to accept and upohold the free and fair elections of these United States.

12/31/2020

As we say our farewell to the year that was 2020, it is common to reflect, and I am confident this is truer for most of us after this very long and trying year. As I am wont to do, I wish to focus on the many points of gratitude therein. I begin with the deep gratitude I have for each and every one of you and the 9,109 people who cast their precious vote for me for State Representative on November 3rd.

While so much of 2020 has been challenging to say the very least, November 3rd was certainly disappointing across our state. And while the outcome was disheartening it was not defeating. As I do in business and with family, when things do not produce the desired results/outcomes, I reflect, gather the lessons, recognize the wins, pivot, rework the plan and then work harder.

As for the wins, we moved the needle substantially in our district and even exceeded many of our goals – fundraising and volunteer engagement to name a couple. We outraised our opponent by more than 2x and posed enough threat to the incumbent that his party poured money in negative messaging the final week of the campaign. While we were short of our vote goal, we did see very strong gains in the district from previous cycles. We also made significant strides in building stronger democratic infrastructure in the district. I ran not only for this cycle, but with future cycles always in mind. These are wins on which we will build. One of the most important ingredients in this build is YOU.

To that end, there are new and meaningful ways for each of you to stay engaged and involved in ensuring that our district and our community has true representation. Keep your eye on this page to learn ways you can help see the outcomes and leadership you want and deserve in District 31 and throughout our state. You are not alone in this community, we have a strong and growing democratic presence and there will be increased ways for you to remain an active part of the change we deserve and help build the future you want for our community and our state.

Happy New Year to you and yours.
Rhonda

11/04/2020

Thank you for all the support these past many months. We didn't get to the end goal that we all wanted for our district and our community but I am so deeply thankful for all the dedication and hard work that was put into this race by amazing supporters like you. We will continue to work to ensure each and every voice counts. In deepest appreciation.

11/03/2020

1 hour and 45 minutes left to have your voice heard. Many polls in 31st have no lines. If you are in line by 7pm you CAN vote. And say hello to our volunteers.